Barca Could Face Fine If Messi Doesn't Play

Barcelona is in South Korea right now, and in true MLS fashion, they are playing a friendly against the K-League All-Stars. Now, while American fans were thrilled to see any Man U players (and I'm sure many Houstonians were thrilled to see Chicharito), Barca could face a 200,000Euro fine if Messi does not play 30 minutes tomorrow. I'm sure this was in the print somewhere, but this is rather absurd. I can understand the South Koreans desire to see arguably the best player in the world at least make a cameo, but this is one part of the money-grubbing side of football that really rubs me the wrong way. Obviously he's very well-paid for his troubles, but this has a distinct "DANCE MONKEY DANCE" feel to it. Yet again, these games are purely for Barca to make cash that they (apparently so desperately) need, but still, this is all going to look pretty stupid if some overzealous South Korean snaps his ankle off.

Bored with terrestial dominance, Messi moves to the sea

Messi (and his lovely lady) doing a little R+R swimming with the Dolphins.

Dani Alves is just happy to be here

Barca kicks off their Asian tour, and Dani Alves could not be more excited: